What is Green Chemistry?
Green Chemistry is a revolutionary philosophy that seeks to unite government, academic and industrial communities by placing more focus on environmental impacts at the earliest stage of innovation and invention. This approach requires an open and interdisciplinary view of material and product design, applying the principle that it is better to consider waste prevention options during the design and development phase, rather than disposing or treating waste after a process or material has been developed. Environmentally benign alternatives to current materials and technologies must be systematically introduced across all types of manufacturing to promote a more environmental and economically sustainable future.
Environmentally benign alternative technologies have been proven to be economically superior and function as well or better than more toxic traditional options. When hazardous materials are removed from processes, all hazard-related costs are removed as well, significantly reducing hazardous materials handling, transportation, disposal and compliance concerns.
Given a choice between traditional options and green solutions, business leaders choose responsibly. Unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of more responsible green alternatives. Scientists and non-scientists alike can begin to address this technological gap by recognizing the interconnectivity between the construction of materials and environmental protection. There is tremendous untapped opportunity for ingenuity and reward at the chemical design stage; this is the central concern of Green Chemistry.
For this reason, Beyond Benign is focused on promoting science literacy in the interdependent arenas of community, industry and education.
- Learn about the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.
- Learn how companies are using green chemistry to preserve the environment.
- Contact us about a seminar or training for your organization.
- Certificate and higher education opportunities in green chemistry are available.
- Learn about green chemistry in the classroom & in the lab.
the 12 Principles
- Pollution Prevention
- Atom Economy
- Less Hazardous Synthesis
- Design Safer Chemicals
- Safer Solvents & Auxiliaries
- Energy Efficiency
- Renewable Feedstocks
- Reduce Derivatives
- Catalysis
- Design for Degradation
- Real-Time Analysis
- Accident Prevention
Anastas, Paul T. and John C. Warner. Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice. Oxford University Press: 1998.
Presidential Challenge
The only award given by the President of the United States specifically for work in chemistry is the "Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award." This annual award promotes innovative developments in and uses of green chemistry for pollution prevention. The green chemistry technologies that have won the award have, collectively, eliminated more than 940 million pounds of hazardous chemicals and solvents, saved over 600 million gallons of water, and eliminated over 340 million pounds of carbon dioxide releases to the air. To learn more about the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners, click on the link below.